Acan Lord care guide
Acan Lord (Micromussa lordhowensis) — reef coral, 24-26 °C, PAR 75-175, salinity 1.024-1.026.
Overview
Micromussa lordhowensis (formerly Acanthastrea lordhowensis) is a highly prized encrusting LPS native to Australia. The fleshy polyps display intense colour combinations, and designer morphs are among the most expensive corals in the reef trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lobophylliidae
- Genus: Micromussa
- Scientific name: Micromussa lordhowensis
- Common synonyms: Lord Acan, Acanthastrea lordhowensis
Habitat
Endemic to the south-western Pacific around eastern Australia and Lord Howe Island. Wild colonies occupy reef slopes and overhangs at moderate to deep light levels.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- Salinity (SG): 1.024-1.026
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Alkalinity (dKH): 8-11
- Calcium: 400-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Phosphate (max): 0.03 ppm
- Nitrate (max): 5 ppm
Placement and lighting
- Lighting (PAR): 75-175 PAR
- Flow: medium
- Recommended tank age: 3 months
- Growth rate: 0.2-0.5 cm/mo
Mount on rockwork in the middle of the aquarium. Moderate light is essential — strong direct light bleaches colour, while too little light reduces tissue inflation. Medium flow keeps the surface clean.
Feeding
Photosynthetic with strong response to spot-feeding. Mysis, reef-roids and amino-acid supplements one to two times per week support colour and tissue growth.
Compatibility
Moderately aggressive — short sweeper tentacles can extend at night. Maintain a small buffer from neighbouring corals. Reef-safe with shrimp and fish.
Care notes
Designer morphs are valuable; quarantine new frags and dip in coral-safe iodine to prevent introducing nudibranchs and other pests. Stable parameters protect colour.